Jan
10
A trip to Dubai
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, the vibrant city of Dubai is quickly becoming one of the world’s fastest growing tourist destinations. Known as one of the most culturally diverse destinations in the world, the city has a very cosmopolitan feel.
Visitors will find numerous attractions in Dubai including modern entertainment complexes, stunning architecture, trendy clubs, excellent shopping opportunities and adventurous excursions for sports enthusiasts.
Flights to Dubai
The award winning Dubai International Airport is now the fastest growing airport in the Middle East. Handling both domestic and international flights, the airport’s cutting edge design and architectural mastery makes it one of the most efficient and impressive airports in the world. Situated just minutes from the city centre, this facility provides passengers with every imaginable amenity and comfort including a health club and a plethora of restaurants and lounges. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Dubai try Thomas Cook.
Taxis provide quick and efficient transport through the city, although for a more economical travel option, there is an extensive bus service. If you take the bus, you should note that they can get extremely uncomfortable and busy.
Dubai
Sightseeing in Dubai
If you are interested in learning about the Dubai of days gone by, you need only to visit the historic Bastakiya district. This area has preserved some of the region’s traditional architecture and has a quaint old-world charm. You can also catch a glimpse of old Dubai in the Dubai Museum. The museum houses a fascinating collection of intriguing artefacts, musical instruments and weapons.
Another interesting attraction is the Grand Mosque. The mosque is the centre of religious and cultural life in Dubai and features the tallest minaret in Dubai. The Jumeirah Mosque is an excellent example of modern Islamic architecture and is probably the most photographed building in the city.
Avid golfers will find themselves in paradise. There are several world-class courses around Dubai including the world-famous Emirates Golf Club and the Nad Al Shiba Club, which boasts a floodlit 18-hole course.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Dubai has a wealth of restaurants serving Middle Eastern fare. One of the most popular local treats is the shwarma (chicken or lamb and vegetables wrapped in Arabic bread). There are stalls on virtually every corner selling this local favourite. There is also a wide selection of fine restaurants that serve international cuisine throughout the city. The city’s nightlife can be found at the bars and nightclubs of the city’s upscale hotels.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Dubai is a paradise for shopaholics as it is famed for being the shopping capital of the Middle East. The city has an abundance of shopping malls, designer boutiques, and time-honoured markets known as souks, spread around the city. In the souks you will find everything from exotic spices, carpets and local handicrafts to designer knock-offs and costume jewellery. Haggling with the local souk vendors is not only appropriate, it is expected. Remember to have fun and know that if you can’t agree on a price with a particular vendor, chances are that you will find the price you’re looking for right around the corner.
Daytrips
Dubai is home to some of the newest world-class entertainment parks and complexes. The kids will love Children’s City, which is a huge centre spread over three floors with hundreds of activities to keep kids entertained. There is a notable space and planets exhibit that has a planetarium to watch unbelievable shows. You will also find a host of games and small carnival rides to enjoy too.
In recent years Dubai has become home to several world-class golf courses, which have been built around the sandy arid conditions. There are numerous competitions held throughout the year with many of the world’s best golfers competing.
There are several tour companies offering exciting four-wheel driving expeditions through the sand hills surrounding Dubai. Be prepared for a bumpy and thrilling ride as the local drivers plough full throttle through the soft sands.
Must-see attractions
The Wild Wadi Water Park should be on everybody’s must see list, with a several swimming pools, high-speed water slides and water games for kids. There is an artificial beach complete with a breaking wave that can be body surfed or ridden on a board. There is also a host of dry activities to enjoy, including a large indoor game centre with family amusements. The park offers a choice of restaurants and eateries located throughout the grounds; it also has bus shuttle services between most major hotels.
The Dubai Museum is located in one of the city’s oldest buildings and contains a range of cultural and historic displays coupled with exhibitions about the region’s past. See how Dubai was before the discovery of oil, with traditional Arab desert houses and mosques. There are photographs and multimedia displays showing the incredible building growth experienced by the city in the last decade.
The most significant place in the city for Arabs is the beautiful Grand Mosque, which boasts the tallest minaret in all of Dubai. The structure dates back to the early 1900s when it was built and it has been rebuilt in recent years. Although many tourists flock to see the impressive building, it is forbidden for non-Muslims to enter the building.
Best time to go
Dubai experiences an arid subtropical desert climate, making it hot year round. During the summer time of June until September, the temperatures often reach 45˚C. The most common time for tourists to visit the desert city is from December to March when temperatures are still warm but not unbearable.
Before the extreme heat of summer from May until July the temperatures are pleasant although frequent sandstorms occur and seem to cover the city in dust and dirt.
Rainy day suggestions
With Dubai being a hot desert city, numerous air-conditioned indoor complexes exist to escape the scorching sun. There is an indoor snow covered mountain where you can enjoy snowboarding, snow skiing or just having fun throwing snowballs. Magic Planet is filled with an array of rides and amusements for the whole family to enjoy. There are also hundreds of massive shopping malls with floors of electronics, designer clothes and local handicraft.
Comments
Leave a Reply












